Paul Pogba says France can thrive at the 2018 World Cup without the ‘pressure’ of being the host nat

Paul Pogba believes France can feel more at home at the next summer’s World Cup in Russia after proving themselves capable of a sustained run in an international tournament by reaching the final of Euro 2016.

Les Blues were the hosts as they lost to Portugal 1-0 in extra-time, and are among the favourites to lift the World Cup.

“There is less pressure on us because we get stronger and stronger,” Pogba said. “Three years ago we weren’t the same France team. There has been a lot of improvement.

“There are a lot of big teams. You have Brazil, Germany, England. Who knows who is going to win? We want to win it, of course.